Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy
Please note: Due to COVID sessions are being provided via telephone and secure video platform. Some of the information on this page may not be applicable. Please contact Kennedy if you have any questions.
General Questions
How long is a therapy session?
Individual sessions are 45-50 minutes. Couples sessions are 80-90 minutes depending on the practitioner.
How many sessions will I need to attend?
The number of sessions you would attend depends on your specific problem, your needs, how severe your symptoms are, how long the situation has been going on, your support network as well as other health concerns that may be additional stressors. Each person is different and there are so many factors that make it impossible to give a quick prediction.
What are your fees? Will my insurance pay for my sessions?
Psychotherapy and psychological services are not covered by OHIP. Therapy requires both a time commitment and financial investment. Some therapists’ rates are higher based on their specialized service, experience and demand for their services.
Check with your extended health provider as you may be covered for a portion of your counselling fees. Every plan is different so it is worth checking the fine print. Research both the type of provider (e.g. Registered Psychotherapist or Psychologist) and the amount your provider will cover before you begin counselling.
Your therapist will provide receipts for fees you pay which you can then submit to your provider for reimbursement. Clients should expect to pay out of pocket for much of their treatment as insurance coverage typically covers a minimal amount. For information on working with Kennedy and interns (services and fees) please refer to the online booking site found here. Associates policies and fees can be discussed individually.
Working with Kennedy
The following responses pertain to Kennedy's practice, associates may have alternative practices and this should be discussed with each therapist individually.
How long is a therapy session?
Individual sessions with Kennedy are typically 45 minutes and couples sessions are 90 minutes+.
How often should I come to see you?
Kennedy works psychoanalytically with individuals. If you wish to work with Kennedy, meetings will occur twice weekly at a set date and time. This sets out a clear boundary and framework for therapy. Clients know that this is their set time and that Kennedy will be available. This also helps to ensure progress is maintained and that sessions are spent on process rather than "catching up" on the events that have gone on when too much time has passed between sessions.
Couples choose to work with Kennedy based on need. Some couples attend therapy weekly, others come bi-weekly or every few weeks. Couples sessions are longer which allows for more depth. Many couples find this type of work allows them to attend less frequently and achieve better results.
Other therapy associates have different policies and these details will be negotiated between each individual therapist and client.
How long will I need to attend therapy?
Kennedy does not work with clients who are looking for quick solutions or fast answers. Clients who develop the most insights and truly benefit from therapy are those who attend therapy 1-2x/week for a minimum of 1 year. See above regarding couples.
Cancellation Policy:
Kennedy's cancellation policy is as follows: a minimum of 48 hours advance notice of cancellation of your appointment is required. Several days or a week is strongly preferred. The full fee will be charged for missed appointments without a minimum of 48 hours' notice.
Additional Information:
For services provided outside of office sessions, such as phone consults, letters and conferences with other professionals the hourly session rate will be charged, please inquire if there is any question about this.
Therapeutic content should not be sent via email. Email is not a secure form of communication and these are issues that should be discussed during the therapy session.
Kennedy is not a doctor and cannot provide a diagnosis or prescribe medication.